22 hours in Genoa, Nevada

A 4.5 hour drive brought me to a small town called Genoa, which is just inside the Nevada border from California, yesterday afternoon. I went there to visit my in-laws and 2 of their closest friends, they were staying the week at the David Walley’s Hot Springs Resort. So over the next 22 hours I got to visit the oldest bar in Nevada, do some shopping next door to the saloon, we then all took a soak in a hot springs pool (the hot tubes were too hot for me!) and then played a few games of Carcassonne after a home cooked vegan meal. The following morning we all had massages and then had brunch after which I headed out and drove back to that South Bay via Tahoe (which btw, has snow now!). What a great short trip!

In the morning before our massages I also got to take a quick walk from the resort towards the main road that leads into Genoa, it was early light and so the sun was on its way up, but cloudy so I got some really neat photos I think. Check out the full gallery here!

 

Miles the #SFBatKid saves Gotham!

I was fortunate enough to be able to attend part of this heartwarming event yesterday in downtown San Francisco’s City Hall (aka Gotham City). Thousands showed up to cheer for Miles, who was diagnosed with Leukemia (recently now in remission!) and was granted a wish by the local Make A Wish Foundation. His wish? He wanted to be BatKid! So when news of this got out to the internet a few weeks ago, and I saw the article about what was going to happen, I just had to be there.

Not only did he get to travel to his numerous capers in a donated black Lamborghini, he saved a damsel in distress, freed the Giants mascot and captured both the Penguin and the Riddler. How amazing is that! Read more about his capers: Article by SF Bay CBS Local

When he finished ridding the city of all of the villains, he was honored at the Civic Center Plaza, in front of thousands, by the Mayor of San Francisco (Gotham City), members of the FBI, Make A Wish and even the Chief of Police! To top even all of that,  President Obama sent him support all the way from the White House!

It was overwhelming how much support this city gave Miles and his family yesterday, the Mayor even named November 15th as BatKid Day and the city will celebrate it every year from now on! Since Miles’ wish went viral it has been promoted, featured and broadcasted on hundreds of news sites, blogs, and other social media. Just simply search Twitter for the hashtag #SFBatKid and you will see notes of support from all over the globe.

I was so moved by this event, the support from so many volunteers from Make A Wish, the city of SF, Miles and his family for enduring this hardship, I am still tearing up about it. If you are also were inspired by this inspirational event, I encourage you, like I will be doing after I finish writing this, to donate or even start to volunteer for your local Make A Wish foundation. Every kid deserves to have their wish come true, just like BatKid!

Some photos I took at the event are below. Have a great weekend!

A Day at The Ritz

My husband got to go to a meeting at The Ritz in Half Moon Bay yesterday and I was allowed to tag along. I was excited because I heard how beautiful the grounds were and couldn’t wait to walk up and down the coast line. I spent a good 2-3 hours and walked about 2 miles up and down yesterday afternoon. So pretty, I great photo op for sure, and I found out you do not have to stay at the hotel to park for free and walk up and down the Coastal Trail that runs along the golf course they have. Super nice, here are some of my fav shots, head over to the Gallery Page for more!

 

2013 Fireworks!

Every year my husband and I venture up to Chautauqua, NY to spend the 4th of July with my family. One of the many reasons I enjoy this trip is to get some great shots of fireworks that are set off just 3 houses down from us off the dock by neighborhood friends. Check out the Fireworks Page for 32 new shots from this year!

Here are a few of my favs:

Christmas in July! All Prints 20% Off!

All prints currently in my shop will be 20% off between July 11th – 21st for the Christmas in July Etsy Sale!

Just use code: CIJ2013 at checkout, this also includes Sale Items too!!

Great chance to grab some prints for gifts or for yourself to decorate a room or office!

Need a bigger size? Convo me during July 11th – 21st and will still honor 20% off price for customer orders!

CIJ1

Christmas in July 20% OFF Sale!

Elizabeth Gamble Gardens

I got the chance to visit the Elizabeth Gamble Gardens yesterday with a #Meetup group I recently joined called Peninsula Nature Photographers. The garden is located in Palo Alto, CA and is very close to where I work, but I had not known about it until this meetup.

Just upon entering the gardens I quickly knew I could spend a few hours there. From the flowers, to the plants and landscaping, fountains and walkways, it was really a nice and pretty garden. I got some great shots here are a few of my favs, but be sure to check out the full gallery Here!